"Reach the final and play Novak Djokovic, I want that": Carlos Alcaraz sets out stall for clash with 10-time Australian Open champion

Saturday, 13 January 2024 at 12:30

Carlos Alcaraz has played very minimal tennis in the run-up to the 2024 Australian Open in a move he explained as having to sacrifice either a short off-season with no holiday or rest or figuring out his timings in order to play.

Alcaraz has only played in exhibitions both in Melbourne and in Riyadh and back home in Murcia as well as practicing with Jannik Sinner, another player who has also done this bold move. But he also backs himself to be able to perform at his best despite not playing and that despite warm-ups helping, he still believes he can go straight in cold and take the title. A move done many times by Novak Djokovic in recent years.

José Morgado

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Alcaraz met the press at the #AusOpen. "I had a great off season. Hope my 2024 can be as good as 2023." For this tournament, one desire. "Reach the final and play Novak Djokovic. He is a 10-time champ here. Playing him on Laver Arena would be special. I want that".

7:01 AM · Jan 13, 2024

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'We have no time' for warm-up says Alcaraz

"Well, we end the season so, so late. I prefer to have a holiday, have my days to recover my body, my mind as well. Obviously I prefer to do a really good pre-season," Alcaraz said.

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"I think we discussed with my team, as well, that we need almost four, five weeks of pre-season to prepare well this season, for the first Grand Slam of the year. We have no time if I wanted to play a tournament before the Australian Open. At the end we preferred to come here to Australian Open, straight to a Grand Slam," he added.

"Yeah, I think I'm a guy who doesn't need so much competition before a big tournament. Obviously always help. I think I'm prepared to do a good things here in the Grand Slam," he said.

He also stated his desire for a Djokovic reunion in the final. "Reach the final and play Novak Djokovic. He is a 10-time champ here. Playing him on Laver Arena would be special. I want that."

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